http://leader.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=2396704Spotlight Cancer Prevention in AprilAs we are all aware, oral and other head and neck cancers are highly treatable when detected early. But last year alone they were responsible for an estimated 9,000 deaths in the United States, often due to being discovered at a late stage. It recently has become more apparent that ...2010-03-01T00:00:00InboxTerry Day

As we are all aware, oral and other head and neck cancers are highly treatable when detected early. But last year alone they were responsible for an estimated 9,000 deaths in the United States, often due to being discovered at a late stage. It recently has become more apparent that HPV (human papillomavirus)-related cancers are becoming more frequent in young, healthy nonsmokers and arise in the tongue and tonsils.

As health care practitioners, we are responsible for keeping tabs on health issues in our communities, and our specific abilities as clinicians in the medical and/or dental fields put us in an unparalleled position to educate the public about these potentially life-threatening yet extremely manageable cancers.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) is hosting its 13th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW) nationwide and overseas April 12–18. As president of the HNCA, I encourage you to get involved in OHANCAW by hosting a cancer screening at your practice, which is an excellent opportunity to showcase your commitment to your community and dedication to early cancer detection and prevention.

Please visit OHANCAW’s Web site for more details about participating in OHANCAW 2010, and click “Sign Up For 2010” to register. By doing so you’ll be making a vital contribution to increasing public awareness of oral, head, and neck cancers; their symptoms and risk factors; and the importance of early diagnosis for their successful treatment.